Demoralised NHS staff lack the resources that are vital for reform

SIR – As doctors in training, we are writing to express our frustration with the Government’s attitude towards us. While acknowledging that service provision on weekends can be improved, we are keen to emphasise that the current situation does not stem from a “Monday to Friday culture”. Rather, it is a consequence of limited resources.

The mortality figures cited by Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary (report, July 23), are misleading. The higher mortality rate relates to patients who were admitted to hospital on a weekend – not patients who died during a weekend. The finding is in no small part due to the focus, outside of normal working hours, on admitting patients with life-threatening problems. Unfortunately, due to the severity of their illness, these patients would have been at high risk of death even if admitted on a weekday. Patients undergoing non-urgent, planned procedures are admitted during the working week – and as these patients are less unwell to begin with, their mortality rate is lower.

Every hospital tries to ensure adequate cover for emergencies at all times. Needless to say, many trusts fall short, but for a lack of resources rather than a lack of determination.

We are living in an era of rising patient expectations and increasingly expensive treatments and medical technology; yet there remains a shortage of public funds to meet these challenges. While we acknowledge the need for change, we ask that the Government puts an end to the bullying and demoralisation of the medical profession. Please work with us, not against us.

Dr Adler Ma

Norwich

Dr Amalina Bakri

Cambridge SIR – Most doctors would agree that delivery of weekend emergency care needs to be improved.

However, doctors do not work in isolation. Jeremy Hunt’s plan to make consultants available seven days a week will not improve patient outcomes unless allied health professionals (such as radiographers) and providers of community services are included in the plans.

Mr Hunt’s proposals will amount to doctors of all specialties working more unsociable hours for lower pay.

Claire Farrington

Bristol SIR – You report (July 23) that Sarah Vine, the wife of Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, has called for all NHS departments to work longer hours after her husband was unable to see a doctor during the week due to his busy schedule.

Ms Vine will be glad to know that NHS services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Any reasonable employer gives employees time off for medical appointments during the working day.

Perhaps Mr Gove should raise this issue with his line manager?

Dr A N Singh

London W12